{"id":294644,"date":"2023-10-01T07:19:33","date_gmt":"2023-10-01T07:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/?p=294644"},"modified":"2023-10-01T07:19:33","modified_gmt":"2023-10-01T07:19:33","slug":"samoa-to-target-england-star-smith-as-pundit-calls-for-team-to-be-axed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/rugby-league\/samoa-to-target-england-star-smith-as-pundit-calls-for-team-to-be-axed\/","title":{"rendered":"Samoa to ‘target’ England star Smith as pundit calls for team to be axed"},"content":{"rendered":"
England booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the World Cup earlier this week when they watched Japan beat Samoa 28-22 to keep their hopes of victory in France alive. Scotland and Ireland are both in the frame to progress to the knockout stages as well, though only one of the two will make it through and next weekend\u2019s match between the two nations will be decisive. Wales have also ensured that they will be in the next round of the competition before their final group game against Georgia.<\/p>\n
With several nations now looking ahead to the latter stages of the competitions, managers must weigh up whether they keep up their momentum and try and win their final group stage matches, or if they rotate their ranks to avoid any key injuries.<\/p>\n
Steve Borthwick is among those that must make that decision, and it could prove decisive given that England haven\u2019t been at their best at the tournament to date. His side have remained unbeaten in their opening three matches in Pool D, but Samoa present a different, physical challenge.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Scotland\u2019s 84-0 thumping of Romania on Saturday night means that they have a live chance of making the knockouts. They face Pool C leaders Ireland next weekend, when everything will be on the line in a stellar clash.<\/p>\n
Express Sport’s live Rugby World Cup updates below…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Ex-Man Utd star links up with France Rugby World Cup squad as video goes viral[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Irish TV pundit Hugh Cahill has called for Italy to be axed from the Six Nations after their devastating loss at the hands of the All Blacks earlier this week.<\/p>\n Italy were beaten 96-17 in Lyon, and some felt that it evidenced claims that the nation were not at the standard required to compete in top-level rugby competitions.<\/p>\n Cahil tweeted: \u201cOnly a matter of time before South Africa replace Italy in 6N\u2019s (Six Nations). Rugby calendar won\u2019t allow seven teams. Love Italians and everything about the country, but professional rugby there has not evolved or progressed to a sufficient degree. Tonight is the proof.\u201d<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\nPundit calls for Italy axing<\/h3>\n